Episode 168: Broadcast deals, Relegation battles and playoff pushes

Ross and John are back to discuss Paul Rowley staying with Salford, the hell at Hull FC, the club’s appointment of Richie Myler, pressure on Rohan Smith and the future for Tony Smith. We also talk about the rise of Warrington and Huddersfield, Challenge Cup quarter-final results and England to play France in Toulouse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back to discuss the first few rounds of Super League, the shocking situation at Featherstone Rovers and whether a player’s union is needed in UK rugby league. They also talk about the match review panel, the issue of media facilities in Super League, and the latest international news involving Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Lebanon dropping down in membership and out of World Cup qualification.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John, Ross and Phil Caplan are live from the Aviva Studios in Manchester for the launch of the new Super League season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John is joined on the podcast by author and journalist Steve Mascord. The pair talk about the launch of the Championship and League 1 seasons, changes at Wakefield Trinity, the new concussion rules, Super League’s foray into streaming and a new broadcasting platform and Steve’s new book on the 1994 Kangaroos.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

We are joined by former professional rugby league player Brett Kearney. Brett, who retired in 2014, had spells with South Sydney, Cronulla and Bradford. Now an ambassador for the Brain Foundation, he joins us to talk about concussion in sport, his history of brain injuries, dealing with retirement, the financial dramas at the Bulls and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back and discuss England’s big series win over Tonga, Samoa pulling out of a Uk tour and the Kiwis beating the Kangaroos. They also chat about Magic Weekend going to Leeds, Salford’s stadium situation, new rule changes in Super League, the World Club Challenge and a lot more in rugby league.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Our special guest is Gareth Ellis. He joins us to talk about his new book, his amazing career, his plans for the future, his time in Super League, his time in the NRL and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back to preview the 2023 Super League grand final between Catalans and Wigan. We discuss the main talking points of the big match, and the Championship grand final between London and Toulouse, and interview Jai Field and Matty Peet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross discuss the new Super League TV deal, the battle to avoid relegation and the fight for the competition’s top six. They also look at the issues at Leeds Rhinos, Kevin Sinfield’s involvement with England rugby union and answer your questions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Anthony Broxton, author of ‘Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain, joins the pod to talk about his new book. He chats about the changes in the UK and UK rugby league in the 1980s and 1990s, the influence of people like David Oxley and Maurice Lindsay, and the learnings and parallels with where the sport sits in 2023.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.